I recently had a chance to travel around Europe for 7 months. I visited 17 different countries and had to figure my way through many languages. I had to make meaning from several texts of varying ability, but I also had to try to communicate with others in these languages which sometimes was harder than making meaning from a text!
As I reflected upon this experience, I realized I relied on and used many different strategies as I was creating meaning and communicating with others. On the most basic level, I used icons and pictures to create meaning, especially when finding directions (bus, taxi, metro, train, airport, arrows pointing the way, etc). If icons were not available, I looked for any word parts or cognates that I recognized.
I have a working knowledge of Spanish (I was fluent many years ago, but have lost much of it because I haven't used it), so finding meaning in other romance languages (Italian, French, and Portuguese) was easier than trying this strategy in other languages (Polish, and Turkish). If the text was lengthy, I tried writing the English translation above the words I could figure out and those I guessed on. From there, I tried to infer meaning from what words or phrases I could figure out.
Strategies I used:
* icons
* pictures
* cognates
* word parts
* translations to English
* infer meaning
Implications as a teacher:
* It's important to provide multiple representations of words
* Focus on cognates when applicable and transfer meaning from one language to another
* Find the words you know or recognize and move forward from there
The strategies that you have mentioned are effective strategies to teach to second language learners especially if the languages spoken by the ELs belong to the Romance and Germanic families of languages. In fact, my students apply those strategies in their Vocabulary subject as they study Latin and Greek roots. Great insight.
ReplyDeleteHi Megan,
ReplyDeleteI agree that having some knowledge of Latin languages helps in making connections from other languages with Latin roots. I also agree that as a teacher, it is important to thoroughly explain vocabulary and say statements in a variety of ways. It is important to introduce more difficult vocabulary words, but to also simplify the language to make it more accessible for the students. Thanks for sharing!
-Christa
Megan,
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to re-word and use different synonyms to help build understanding for our students. I also find that giving them an example or a visual they can relate to is more helpful than a definition alone. I am constantly doing this with my small groups to build up their confidence in using words and finding meaning.
How great that you had the opportunity to travel! Did you find that many places you went, there was someone who could help by speaking English? Thanks for your sharing your thoughts.
Anna
The strategies that you described that you used on your trip are wonderful. I often wonder what it must be like for students who don't always have those skills yet in their own language to help them figure out the new language. I think the use of multiple representations is a great way to help our ELL's see and understand the content. I also love allowing them the opportunity to experience something for themselves.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI also used my knowledge of Spanish when trying to read the passage that I chose for this week that was in French. As a teacher, I find that my knowledge of Spanish does in fact help me when I'm working with my ELLs, but it makes me wish that I had a better understanding of the language. Although I can explain some things that happen in both languages, it is not always enough for them to fully understand the concept.
Kristina
I love your strategy of finding words you know and writing them in English. Brilliant. It engages the reader in finding words they know instead of staring at a sea of words they don't. And it also makes a scavenger hunt of finding "words I know."
ReplyDelete